Update on City Centre incident 13/7/10

West Midlands Police have provided the following update to the incident in the Newhall St/Lionel St area yesterday-

The package has been examined by the EOD and it has now been established that the package was not harmful and posed no risk. A thorough investigation will now begin into what is believed to be a malicious hoax. WMP are keeping an open mind in terms of motive, but cannot rule out that it was racially motivated.

Race hate crime will not be tolerated and the investigation will be led by the force CID. Anyone with information should contact force CID on 0345 113 5000.

West Midlands Police recognise that a significant amount of disruption was caused due to the road closures and evacuation and thank people for their patience and understanding.